SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PECTORALIS MAJOR RE-RUPTURE WITH AUTOLOGOUS HAMSTRING TENDON GRAFT: CASE REPORT

Abstract

SUMMARY

               Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is a rare injury, usually associated with eccentric overload during physical activity. Chronic cases, especially re-rupture after previous surgical repair, represent a major technical challenge due to tendon retraction and tissue degeneration. The aim of this report is to present a case of chronic pectoralis major re-rupture treated with reconstruction using an autologous hamstring tendon graft.

               A 37-year-old male patient developed cosmetic deformity and loss of strength six months after failed primary repair. The surgical technique consisted of harvesting hamstring tendons from the knee and fixation to the humerus with unicortical buttons. Alternatives reported in the literature include direct repair in acute cases, Achilles tendon allograft and dermal grafts for chronic lesions. Reconstruction with an autologous hamstring graft proved effective, providing functional recovery and satisfactory cosmetic outcome.